[TMIC] DRIVING

LRM593(AT)aol.com
Fri, 9 Apr 1999 17:57:16 EDT

Hi everyone,
I went back to work this week after being out 9 weeks since my onset of TM
and boy was it great to get back to work. Everyone welcomed me with open
arms and was very accommodating. Initially am going back part-time, as I'm
still going to PT through next week (insurance coverage ends, and Physical
Therapist ready to discharge me anyway) and until I regain more of my
strength. A few of the days this week I put in almost a full day, mainly
because I'm not driving yet and had to wait for a ride, not to mention
everything I had to get caught up on. I'm the Benefits Coordinator/Human
Resource Rep. for a jewelry company. The funniest thing happened when I
returned on Monday. A supervisor brought in a sign (they had just made using
one of those permanent magic markers that smell!) that said WELCOME BACK
LYNN! WE ALL MISSED YOU! They proceeded to hang it on the wall in back of
me. Shortly after I had to tell my boss we needed to move it somewhere else
as it was making me sick. He said "oh great- she comes back to work after 9
weeks and goes home sick from her WELCOME BACK sign!!!" Needless to say, we
put it on the door of the office!!!

This weekend, my boyfriend might take me in a parking lot and have me
attempt take over the wheel - I'm fearful but will give it a shot! Are any
of you driving and how long was it for you to drive again and how was it?
Because my right leg is affected, I'm fearful I won't have a quick enough
reflex if I had to stop short, although I have regained a good part of my
strength back.My Physical Therapist feels I'm ready. I'll let you know how I
make out!!!

I was also wondering, have any of you applied for Handicap Parking Permits?
I applied when I was getting released from Rehab and got denied. Of course
they didn't give me a reason, just information on how to file for an appeal,
which I'm in the process of doing and have a Hearing this Tuesday. Don't
look forward to the hearing but would be helpful if I got the permit. I'm
not the type to abuse the system. Hopefully, I'll only need it temporarily.

Hope everyone has a good weekend!
Lynn